Many homeowners are unaware of a simple fact in nearly every part of the country: Indoor air quality can be up to five times more polluted and contaminated than outdoor air quality. This may surprise some people, especially those who live in any area with smog or other outdoor air quality issues. Still, it’s true — and because indoor areas offer much less space for pollutants to spread out and dissipate, this is a significant concern for some households.
Luckily, there are numerous simple solutions available to improve your air quality, from cleaning specific areas to using air purifiers and more — including certain professional services you may consider. Here are some of the most common and effective methods of improving your indoor air quality, plus which might be suitable for your needs.
Air Testing
First and foremost, you need to be able to identify just how bad your air quality truly is. Consider having an air testing kit tested by a professional to discover which pollutants are present in your household and find their levels. This will help you know what steps to take.
Cleaning Services
In many homes, polluted air is promoted primarily through buildups of contaminants in certain areas, such as air ducts or dryer vents. If these areas are never cleaned, they may be a source of poor air quality.
Hiring a cleaning service to come out and clean these areas is an effective, efficient way to improve your home’s indoor air quality. Professionals will clean and sanitize your entire household to ensure you get the fresh, clean air you deserve.
Filter Usage and Maintenance
The filters in your HVAC system are some of your top tools for promoting clean, fresh air — but they also need to be cleaned and maintained for maximum effect. Take care of your filters every month, including switching them out or cleaning them based on manufacturer recommendations.
If you’re unsure about which filters to be using or how to maintain them, consult your local HVAC professional. They can take care of the process for you and ensure you get the best possible use out of your system.
UV Air Purification
In other cases, homeowners may consider UV air purification as a possible solution to achieve cleaner air. These systems sanitize the air you breathe by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other harmful particles present in contaminated air.
UV air purifiers are great options for those whose indoor environments have been affected by contaminants from pets, smoke, or more. They’re very efficient at reducing levels of these contaminants and improving the overall quality of the air.
However, they’re not all created equal — some produce more ozone than others, which can be very harmful to those with allergies or respiratory issues. Make sure you select the right cleaner for your needs by researching those available on the market and consulting with a professional beforehand.
Sanitation and Odor Removal
Another quality professional service you may consider, and one that doesn’t break the bank in most cases, is professional odor removal. Through advanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, your local carpet cleaner can rid your home of odors caused by various items, including smoke, pets, or mold.
AC Coil and Blower Motor Cleaning
In other cases, contaminants impacting your air quality will originate from your outdoor AC unit, which connects to indoor air through a blower motor or AC coil contamination. Consider having your unit professionally cleaned to remove contaminants and improve indoor air quality if this is the case.
Your local HVAC professional can assist you in finding ways to improve indoor air quality in your home — so don’t be afraid to seek their advice for anything mentioned above.
